Volume 6, Issue 4

In this work, we demonstrate for the first time the ultrasensitive detection of Hg 2+ ions with femtomolar sensitivity in water samples with the use of the surface plasmon-coupled emission (SPCE) platform. The use of portable network diagnostic tools for water security and integrated water shed management is a topic of recent research interest. In this context, the current study explores Hg 2+ monitoring using a rhodamine-6G (Rh6G) derivative bearing a monothiospirolactone mounted onto a SPCE substrate. Thus far, the limit of detection for mercury ions by the conventional fluorescence technique has been 0.15 n m . However, we have achieved 1 f m Hg 2+ detection using silver nanoparticle-based spacer layer engineering on an SPCE sensor chip. Using this technology, a field device can be fabricated for rapid, ultrasensitive, multi-analyte detection (of contaminants) in water samples.

Nanomedicine is one of the most exciting applications of nanotechnology and promises to address several of mankind’s healthcare needs. South Africa is one of the countries engaged in nanomedicine research and product development on the African continent. In this article, we provide a top-level description of the policy, infrastructure, and human capital development programs supported by the South African government. We also highlight the nanomedicine outputs (publications, patents, and products) that have emanated from South Africa. This description of a “newly industrialized” country engagement in nanomedicine is important within the global context of nanomedicine development.

Formation of the biocorona on the surface of nanoparticles is a significant obstacle for the development of safe and effective nanotechnologies, especially for nanoparticles with biomedical applications. Following introduction into a biological environment, nanoparticles are rapidly coated with biomolecules resulting in formation of the nanoparticle-biocorona. The addition of these biomolecules alters the nanoparticle’s physicochemical characteristics, functionality, biodistribution, and toxicity. To synthesize effective nanotherapeutics and to more fully understand possible toxicity following human exposures, it is necessary to elucidate these interactions between the nanoparticle and the biological media resulting in biocorona formation. A thorough understanding of the mechanisms by which the addition of the biocorona governs nanoparticle-cell interactions is also required. Through elucidating the formation and the biological impact of the biocorona, the field of nanotechnology can reach its full potential. This understanding of the biocorona will ultimately allow for more effective laboratory screening of nanoparticles and enhanced biomedical applications. The importance of the nanoparticle-biocorona has been appreciated for a decade; however, there remain numerous future directions for research which are necessary for study. This perspectives article will summarize the unique challenges presented by the nanoparticle-biocorona and avenues of future needed investigation.

Nanomedicine has achieved a huge success in delivering a wide variety of drug molecules into the target site of the body. In this respect, the characterization of nanoformulation is very important to investigate the drug molecule together with its carrier as a nanoform during formulation, storage, and in vivo transport through the body. This review article summarizes important advanced characterization techniques of nanoformulation with respect to their theories, use of required instrumental parameters, sample preparation techniques, data interpretation, etc., to exploit them for the best possible results. This review article also sheds a glimpse to the shortcomings of these techniques together with further advancements required in future.

Nanomedicine is a novel and challenging field in terms of its governance. It is gradually emerging that the existing regulatory regimes may not be able to accommodate the requirements of nanomedicine without amendments or supportive measures. Further, its multidisciplinary essence poses challenges and indicates a need for an adaptive regulatory framework for governance as well as promotion of innovation system. The best strategy to govern nanomedicine remains highly debatable across the globe. Although, major challenges posed by nanomedicine are universal, some of them are specific to each country, hence, making a jurisdiction-based framework essential to address unique needs of a nation. In India, a clear framework for the regulation of nanomedicine is lacking, as this governance gap has been realized through various studies. Keeping this in view, the authors propose a multi-level national governance system for regulation of nanomedicine in India based on four principles. The hierarchical governance model proposed involves regulatory space, policy regime, sites of governance and lifecycle of nanomedicine. The proposed system is inclusive of its various stakeholders. The system can play a significant role in sustainable growth of nanomedicine in India.